CARBON MONOXIDE INJURY

Denver Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Lawyer

Carbon monoxide poisoning is sudden, frightening, and often avoidable. When a landlord, hotel, property manager, or service contractor neglects basic safety, families pay the price. For more than 40 years, David A. Klibaner has represented victims of CO exposure across Denver and Colorado, combining compassionate client care with trial‑ready preparation that holds negligent parties accountable. If you suspect CO exposure, act quickly to protect your health and your legal rights.

What makes CO poisoning so dangerous?

CO is called the “silent killer” for a reason—it’s invisible, odorless, and can build up without warning. People often mistake early symptoms for the flu or fatigue, delaying critical treatment. In homes, apartments, hotels, and short‑term rentals, poor maintenance and improper installations are common causes. Multiple people (or pets) becoming sick at once can be a red flag for CO.

• CO is colorless and odorless, often called the “silent killer.”
• Common sources: malfunctioning furnaces/boilers, water heaters, gas fireplaces and stoves, portable generators, blocked vents/flues/chimneys, attached garages/vehicle exhaust, and hotel pool heaters and laundry equipment.
• Symptoms (early): headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, confusion.
• Symptoms (severe): memory loss, seizures, loss of consciousness, brain damage, cardiac injury, and death.
• Children, older adults, and people with heart/lung disease are especially vulnerable.

Who may be liable in Colorado cases

Accountability begins with identifying every responsible party. CO cases are rarely “one‑cause” events—landlords may ignore alarms, maintenance companies may rush installs, and manufacturers may ship defective equipment. We look upstream and downstream to ensure no negligent actor is missed.

• Landlords and property managers who fail to maintain appliances, provide ventilation, or address known hazards.
• Hotels/motels for defective pool heaters, laundry equipment, or blocked exhaust.
• HVAC companies and maintenance contractors for negligent installation or service.
• Manufacturers/distributors of defective appliances or alarms.
• Homeowners associations for common‑area equipment.
• Short‑term rental operators who ignore code requirements.

Colorado CO alarm and safety basics

Colorado law and local codes require CO alarms in many residential settings, especially near sleeping areas. Alarms must be installed correctly, maintained, and replaced at the end of their service life. When alarms are missing, expired, disabled, or improperly located—or when fuel‑burning appliances are poorly vented—danger rises quickly.

• Many Colorado properties require CO alarms near sleeping areas. Missing, expired, or improperly located alarms can be powerful evidence of negligence.
• Rentals and hotels must maintain fuel‑burning appliances and ensure proper venting/clearances.
• If you suspect CO exposure, leave immediately, call 911 or the fire department to test CO levels, and seek medical care. Ask for carboxyhemoglobin testing and document symptoms and exposure time. Notify the gas company/utility.

What to do after suspected CO exposure

Your first job is safety and medical care. Your second is preserving evidence. Photos, service records, and detector status can make or break a case. If it’s safe, gather what you can and contact a lawyer experienced in CO litigation as soon as possible.

• Evacuate immediately to fresh air and call 911/the fire department to measure CO levels.
• Notify the gas company/utility.
• Seek medical care and request carboxyhemoglobin testing; tell providers you suspect CO exposure.
• Do not re‑enter the property until cleared by professionals.
• Photograph appliances, vents, chimneys, detectors, and alarm status if safe to do so.
• Save rental agreements, hotel receipts, maintenance/service invoices, and emails/texts with landlords or property managers.
• Contact a lawyer experienced in CO litigation as soon as possible.